The Arizona Cardinals have emerged as a surprise contender in the NFC West during the 2024 NFL season, presenting a stark turnaround from their previous performances marked by consecutive seasons with a 4-13 record. Their recent ascension has placed them at the top of the division standings, a position they haven't occupied since their last NFC West division win in 2015. The division itself has largely been under the control of the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with each team clinching the top spot three times since 2015. The Seattle Seahawks have claimed the division title twice in the same period. However, the current season is unfolding differently, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
Heading into the heart of the season, the Cardinals found themselves with a 6-4 record, a remarkable feat considering their initial struggles. The 2024 season's kickoff was less than stellar, with Arizona losing three of their first four games. Despite this rocky start, the team initiated a stunning comeback in Week 5, capturing a narrow 24-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers after trailing by thirteen points at halftime. This pivotal win sparked a rejuvenation, leading to five wins out of their next six matchups.
Cardinals' Offensive Surge
The resilience of the Cardinals can be credited in part to quarterback Kyler Murray, whose performance, while not headline-grabbing, has been solid. Ranking 16th in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes against three interceptions, Murray has provided stability and leadership on the field. Meanwhile, the ground game has proven instrumental to Arizona's success, spearheaded by running back James Conner. The Cardinals currently boast one of the league's top rushing attacks, ranked fifth with an average of 149.4 rushing yards per game. Conner, in particular, is closing in on a personal milestone, needing only 303 more yards to achieve his second consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Looking forward, the Cardinals are poised to face significant tests against the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, fixtures which could further shape the division race. A victory against the Seahawks could enhance Arizona's chances of clinching the division to a robust 60.4%. The Seahawks, sitting at 5-5, also have a great deal at stake. Despite starting the season with three successive victories, their record mirrors the 49ers' at 5-5. The Seahawks' aerial game has been a vital component of their strategy, ranking second in the NFL for passing yards per game. Geno Smith, the quarterback, has been pivotal to their strategy, and a win against the Cardinals could boost Seattle's division title probability to 29.4%.
Division Dynamics
The broader division dynamic remains fluid. The San Francisco 49ers are on a par with Seattle with a 5-5 tally but possess a slightly less optimistic view of their divisional chances, standing at 21.5%. The Los Angeles Rams, meanwhile, appear to be on the outside looking in, facing an uphill battle with only a 9.1% chance of capturing the division crown. However, their odds could improve somewhat to 13.7% should they secure a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in an upcoming game.
The challenge for the Cardinals is maintaining momentum. Their recent form has rekindled hope among fans, rekindling memories of past glories. Yet, the journey to secure the NFC West title remains fraught with obstacles, particularly from familiar rivals determined to disrupt Arizona's resurgence. As the Cardinals push forward, their fanbase will undoubtedly watch eagerly, anxious to see if this revival can herald a new era of sustained success in the desert.